Best Leftovers-to-Lunchbox Favourites

It's that time of year again! The time of year where you stare at your pantry, then stare at your kids' empty lunchboxes then back at the pantry and wonder what the heck am I going to make my kids for lunch today? On top of that, it's 7am and your kids are demanding breakfast and that constantly running to-do list in your brain is reminding you that you still haven't figured out what's for dinner tonight either.

If your life is anything like mine this is a regular occurrence which is why I thought I'd put together this list of my favourite Canned Soup Mom recipes that turn leftovers into lunchbox favourites.

I love this recipe because I can fill the rolls with the things my kids will actually eat. In our case(s) that's chicken, lettuce, carrots and rice noodles. Of course, most of our kids' schools are peanut free so be sure to send plum sauce or soy sauce for dipping.

After the Breakfast Muffin sensation, I was determined to come up with a quick dinner and lunchbox friendly version. I present to you—Pizza Muffins. Simply fill with your kids' favourite toppings (even let them help—they are that easy!) and make a few extras for lunchboxes the next day.

These are one of my freezer staples. On days I'm really stuck for lunchbox ideas, I defrost a few of these, toss them into a warmed thermos and send with plum sauce for dipping. With a separate Tupperware of cut up vegetables and dip my kids are thrilled.

Another freezer fave of mine. My kids LOVE LOVE LOVE meatballs. In the morning I simply defrost, cut into halves or quarters (depending on the child) and send in a warmed thermos with a crusty bun or croissant on the side. My kids say they are moist enough (even after freezing and defrosting) that they don't need any ketchup or tomato sauce for dipping. To mix it up a bit, toss a little leftover pasta and sauce in the thermos too!

My Kids' Love Their (Mini) Buns

My Beer Crock Pot Pulled Pork (don't worry the alcohol cooks off!) and my Easiest Sloppy Joes recipes make great leftovers and are perfect not only for the kids' lunchboxes but parents' too. All I do is warm up individual portions, toss them into a warmed thermos and send with the buns on the side. My kids like the mini/slider buns best! Make sure to send a spoon so your kids can scoop the filling onto their buns.

TIP: Have the little ones practice their scooping at the dinner table the night before.

This recipe is made once a week in the Canned Soup Mom kitchen and makes great "assemble your own tacos" for lunch the next day for kids and parents alike. Simply send heated chicken taco filling in a warmed thermos and taco shells on the side with a Tupperware of their favourite toppings. My kids love lettuce, salsa and shredded cheese.

TIP: Pack the Tupperware of toppings while you're cleaning up from dinner. This helps make for quick lunchbox assembly the next morning!

BONUS: Want to know how to keep your thermos warm until lunchtime? Check out my easy tip. (and be sure to add any of your own tips too!)

Maija is a busy mom to three busy children – children who insist on eating every day. Between shuttling kids to dance or cheer practice, tae kwon do, hockey, or baseball, she often finds herself in the kitchen looking at three hungry children (and a husband) and a clock ticking towards dinner time.

Working a fulltime job from home with three kids under 12 means Maija often runs her household with a phone in one hand and a wooden spoon in the other, so she appreciates quick, healthy meals, prepared on a budget – and that’s what she delivers at both maijasmommymoments.com and on YummyMummyClub.ca as Canned Soup Mom.

Her simple-to-prepare recipes have become the go-to meals for thousands of families, and Maija was recently named one of the Top Mom Food Bloggers in North America and given #2 honours in the budget-friendly recipes category.

Maija loves to travel especially #CanadaWithKids adventures, with the goal of taking her family to all the Canadian provinces and territories within the next five years. The kids are on-board with these plans, and only partially because Maija keeps a mean supply of delicious treats in her travel kit.